Fluid dispenser assembly

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward a cost effective instrument for storing a fluid material, and applying a predetermined amount of the fluid material to a surface. The instrument is comprised of few parts including an outer casing and a fluid insert, making the instrument cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products. The ability to provide dispensers in a pre-assembled form, combined with the compatibility of the fluid dispensers with industrial high speed filling machines, reduces the overall filling costs to the cosmetic company, as well as the cost to the consumer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/231,742, filed on Sep. 5, 2008, which application is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/792,036, filed onMar. 3, 2004, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 29/196,339, filed on Dec. 24, 2003, the disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a fluid dispenser, and moreparticularly to a cost-effective dispenser assembly that is fullycompatible with high-speed in-line filling apparatuses, capable ofdispensing predetermined amounts of fluid materials, and has fewcomponents to assemble.

Various types of dispensers for fluids are well known in the art.Dispensers typically comprise a cartridge for holding the fluidmaterial, as well as a spray, pump, or plunger to dispense the fluidmaterial out of the cartridge. Some dispensers have a spray pumpattached to a pump line that runs through a cartridge containing fluidmaterial, such as perfume. When the user depresses the spray pump, fluidmaterial flows through the line to the spray, and then onto the desiredmedium. Other dispensers, such as those used for caulking, have acartridge filled with caulk, and a trigger mechanism which causes aplunger in the cartridge to push the caulk out of the cartridge.

The shortcomings associated with these prior art dispensers concerntheir manufacture and assembly. Known dispensers typically requireseveral pieces that must be manufactured and then assembled together.Some of the pieces, such as a separate applicator tip, are relativelysmall in size and can prove difficult to assemble. Known dispensersoften have parts that need to be screwed together, or require additionaladhesives or the like to secure the various components of the dispensertogether. The configuration of known dispensers therefore requiresextraneous parts and steps to complete the dispenser assembly process,which, in turn, drives up the costs for the manufacturer. Thesedrawbacks are further compounded by the problems associated with fillingknown dispensers with fluid materials.

Once a dispenser has been manufactured, dispenser manufacturerstypically solicit their dispensers to companies desiring to sell fluidproducts. For example, a cosmetic company may wish to purchase adispenser designed to dispense a fluid lipstick, lotion, or the like.After purchasing the empty dispensers from a dispenser manufacturer, thecosmetic company will then proceed to fill the dispensers with its ownproduct using a filling apparatus and process. There are many problems,however, associated with the purchase and subsequent filling of knowndispensers by a purchasing company.

It is not cost-effective to fill known dispensers with fluid productusing standard high-speed filling apparatuses and processes. Suchdispensers often vary in shape and size and are not readily adaptable topreexisting high speed filling machines utilized by a particularcompany. For example, the shape of the dispenser body may not becompatible with the parts of the preexisting filling machine used tohold the dispenser during the filling process, or the opening of thecartridge may not be large enough (or even too small) to receive thenozzle of the filling apparatus that dispenses the fluid material fromthe filling apparatus to the cartridge. To remedy these problems, thecosmetic company is therefore forced to purchase new filling machines,and/or adapters, such as funnels, or custom made holders for thedispenser, commonly referred to as pucks, to make pre-existing fillingmachines and dispensers compatible with one another. In some situations,it is too costly to adapt a preexisting filling machine to fit aparticular dispenser, which results in the inability to use such adispenser in a high speed filling process, or similar type of fillingprocess. This often forces the cosmetic company to either select analternative dispenser, or to use an alternative slower process. Each ofthese problems is a costly venture for a purchasing company, who thenpasses the additional cost on to the consumer.

There are also additional costs associated with assembling the dispenseronce the dispenser has been filled with the desired fluid material. Inthe filling process, typically a separate cartridge must first be filledby the filling apparatus, and then inserted into the dispensing device.Thereafter, the dispenser must be completely assembled and sealed. Thistask proves to be especially cumbersome when the dispenser has severalcomponents that need to be assembled after the filling process iscompleted. The added steps and time needed to assemble and fill suchdispensers, slows down the filling process and drives up the fillingcosts. It also compromises the quality and integrity of the fluidmaterial sitting in the dispenser because it leaves the fluid materialssubject to contamination by dust, air, etc., until the dispenser issealed.

These problems are evident in U.S. Application No. 2003/0123921 to Abbas(“Abbas”), which is directed toward an instrument preferably forapplying a fluid material of low viscosity to a surface. FIG. 19discloses a fluid dispenser that comprises a cartridge of fluid, aholder, an applicator tip, a pump and pump housing, and a retaining ringfor holding the pump housing within the holder. Force applied to thecartridge causes fluid in the cartridge to flow from the pump to theholder, and the applicator tip. FIG. 23 of Abbas discloses a toothbrushdispenser preferably for dispensing a fluid of low viscosity, such as aliquid cleaner, mouthwash or perfume, onto teeth. The toothbrushdispenser comprises a cartridge of liquid cleaner having a pump, anouter holder for the cartridge, an applicator tip or toothbrush headattached to the holder, and a feeder line from the cartridge to theapplicator tip. FIG. 27 shows a configuration similar to FIG. 23, theprimary differences being that the applicator tip is a pad, and thatinstead of a feeder line from the inner cartridge to the applicator tip,there is an inking region that collects fluid material dispensed fromthe cartridge, and then dispenses the fluid material to the applicatortip. In both FIGS. 23 and 27, force applied to the cartridge causesfluid material from the cartridge to flow into either the feeder line orinking region, and then to the applicator tip. Despite the seeminglyrelative simplicity of these embodiments, there are still costlydrawbacks associated with the manufacture of the Abbas dispensers, andthe subsequent filling of the Abbas dispensers with fluid materials.

The Abbas dispenser is comprised of several parts that require assembly.The applicator tip must be inserted and secured onto the holder, aninner cartridge containing fluid material is inserted into the holder, aretaining ring must also be inserted into the holder to contain theinner cartridge within the holder (or the inner cartridge must bescrewed into the holder), a pump mechanism must be attached to thecartridge, and then the cartridge must be sealed with a cap.

Prior to installation of the cartridge, the cartridge must first befilled with fluid material. Abbas is designed so that the cartridge isfilled with fluid material and then temporarily sealed. The cartridge isthen placed into the holder in its sealed form, and later punctured bythe tip of the pump when it is desired to permit the free flow of fluidmaterial into the applicator. This design is believed to prevent thepre-assembly of the cartridge into the holder when the cartridge isprovided to a filling manufacturer because pre-assembly might causepremature puncturing of the cartridge. Moreover, the design of thecartridge typically requires additional screwing or the use of adhesivesor the like to secure the cartridge within the holder. In this regard,it is believed that the Abbas dispenser cannot be sent to a fillingmanufacturer in a preassembled form, filled, and then simply sealed.Thus, the Abbas dispenser requires the steps of filling the cartridge,sealing the cartridge, and only then installing and securing thecartridge within the holder. The added step in the Abbas dispenserassembly process exemplifies the problems associated with the Abbasdispenser and prior art dispensers.

It is therefore beneficial to provide a dispenser assembly, such asthose embodiments disclosed by the present invention, that is cheaper tomanufacture, easy to assemble, maintains the integrity of the fluidmaterial in the dispenser, and is compatible with pre-existing highspeed filling machines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to overcome the shortcomingsassociated with the disclosure of Abbas and other known fluid dispensersby providing a dispenser assembly that is cheaper to manufacture,requires few parts to assemble, and is readily compatible with standardhigh speed filling machines. As discussed more fully herein, the presentinvention requires few parts; namely, an end cap, a fluid insertcontaining fluid materials, and an outer casing. Unlike the prior artdisclosures, each of these parts can be assembled together without theuse of additional parts, such as adhesives or retaining rings, or stepssuch as screwing the different components together. The presentinvention further permits a manufacturer to sell a dispenser assembly tocosmetic companies and the like seeking to dispense their products (suchas lotions, gels, etc.) into dispensers using a high speed fillingprocess. The present invention is fully compatible with standard highspeed filling apparatuses. The dispenser assembly can be provided tocosmetic companies and the like in an almost completely assembled mannerand placed directly onto standard high speed filling apparatuses. Theonly assembly required after filling is the addition of a seal cap toseal the dispenser once the cartridge of the dispenser has been filledwith the desired fluid material. In accordance with another importantfeature of the present invention, the capping process can also takeplace as part of the high speed filling process, further cutting down onthe assembly time. The steps required to assemble the fluid dispensergreatly differs from known dispensers, which require the separate stepsof filling the cartridge, sealing the cartridge, and then assembling thecartridge into the holder. The few steps required to assemble and fillthe dispenser assembly according to the present invention increasesproduction, while minimizing overall costs. Accordingly, variousdispenser assemblies in accordance with the present invention aredisclosed which achieves each of these shortcomings.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided aninstrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluid material to asurface comprising a fluid insert and an outer casing. The fluid inserthas a first end and a second end, and a protruding ridge arranged on anexterior of the fluid insert between the first end and the second end.The outer casing has a hollow interior for receiving the fluid inserttherein, a first end and a second end, and a pump actuating surface. Theouter casing further includes an applicator tip integrally formed withthe outer casing at the first end for dispensing fluid material from theouter casing, and an interior ridge arranged within the hollow interiorbetween the first end and the second end for securing the fluid insertwithin the outer casing when the protruding ridge of the fluid insert ispositioned between the interior ridge of the outer casing and the firstend of the outer casing. There is also a pump arranged at the first endof the fluid insert that has a pump body and a pump tip. The fluidinsert is constructed and arranged to be movable within the outer casingbetween a stationary position and an actuated position, wherein the pumpis in an extended position when the fluid insert is in the stationaryposition, and the pump is in a retracted position within the pump bodywhen the pump tip is in engagement with the pump actuating surface ofthe outer casing when the fluid insert is in the actuated position. Thepump is operative to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid materialas the fluid insert is moved from the stationary position to theactuated position within the outer casing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan instrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluid material to asurface comprising a fluid insert for storing fluid material, a pump,and an outer casing. The fluid insert has a first end, a second end, anda notch arranged between the first end and the second end. The pump isarranged at the first end of the fluid insert and has a pump body, and apump tip. The outer casing has a first end and a second end, a tabarranged between the first end and the second end, and an applicator forapplying fluid material dispensed into the outer casing. The outercasing is constructed and arranged to receive the fluid insert so as topermit movement of the fluid insert within the outer casing between afirst position and a second position. The tab is constructed andarranged to fit within the notch on the fluid insert so as to guidemovement of the fluid insert when the fluid insert moves within theouter casing from the first position to the second position. The fluidinsert is in the first position when the pump tip is in a fully extendedposition, and the fluid insert is in the second position when the pumptip is retracted into the pump body. The pump is operative to dispensefluid material into the outer casing when the fluid insert is moved fromthe first position to the second position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an instrument for applying a predetermined amount of fluidmaterial that has a fluid viscosity ranging from 1000 centipoise(cps)-10,000 cps to a surface. The instrument comprises a fluid insertfor storing fluid material, and an outer casing. The fluid insert has afirst end and a second end, and a notch arranged on the fluid insertdisplaced from the first end of the fluid insert. It has a pump capableof pumping fluid material that has a fluid viscosity ranging from 1000centipoise (cps)-10,000 cps. The pump is arranged at the first end ofthe fluid insert, and has a pump body and a pump tip. The pump isoperative to dispense fluid material in response to movement of the pumptip. The outer casing has a first end and a second end, a tab arrangedon the interior thereof, and an applicator for dispensing the fluid fromthe pump of the fluid insert within the outer casing. Tab constructedand arranged to fit within the notch so as to guide movement of thefluid insert within the outer casing.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a device for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluidmaterial to a surface comprising an outer casing and a fluid insert forhousing fluid material. The outer casing has first and second ends, anapplicator at the first end, a first ridge arranged on an interior ofthe outer casing and displaced from the second end, and a second ridgearranged within the interior of the outer casing between the inner ridgeand the applicator. The fluid insert has a raised band on the surfacethereof, the fluid insert being constructed and arranged to fit withinthe outer casing so that the raised band is arranged between the firstand second ridges of the outer casing. The fluid insert is movable froma first position to a second position within the outer casing todisperse fluid material. The fluid insert is in a first position whenthe raised band is adjacent to the first ridge of the fluid insert, andthe fluid insert is in a second position when the raised band isadjacent to the second ridge of the fluid insert. The fluid insertdispenses a predetermined amount of the fluid material contained in thefluid insert through the applicator of the outer casing when the fluidinsert moves from the first position to the second position.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an instrument for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluidmaterial comprising an outer casing and a fluid insert. The outer casinghas an interior chamber, a first tab and a second tab arranged withinthe interior chamber, and an applicator integrally formed with the outercasing. The fluid insert is arranged and constructed to fit within theouter casing, and has a first notch and a second notch, a pump with aninternal check valve, and a stop having a first side and a second side.The fluid insert is rotatable within the outer casing between a firstposition and a second position. The fluid insert is in the secondposition when the second side of the stop is adjacent to the second taband the second notch is displaced from the second tab. The fluid insertis in the first position when the first tab is aligned with the firstnotch, and the first side of the stop is adjacent to the first tab. Thedispenser assembly is adapted to dispense a predetermined amount of thefluid material from the fluid insert through the applicator when thefluid insert is in the first position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a dispenser assembly for dispensing a predetermined amount offluid material comprising a fluid insert and an outer casing. The fluidinsert has a body including a first end and a second end, a hollowchamber for storing a fluid material, a seal cap mounted to the firstend for sealing the fluid insert, a pump connected to the second end fordispensing a predetermined amount of fluid material, a notch on the bodydisplaced from the second end, and a protruding ridge displaced from thefirst end. The outer casing has an interior chamber for receiving thefluid insert and a first end and a second end. The applicator isarranged at the first end for applying the fluid material dispensed fromthe pump of the fluid insert to a surface. There is at least one tabarranged within the interior chamber of the outer casing and it isconstructed and arranged to fit within the notch so as to guide movementof the fluid insert within the outer casing. The outer casing also has aridge arranged within the interior chamber of the outer casing that isoperative to restrict removal of the fluid insert when the fluid insertis assembled within the interior chamber.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of filling a dispenser assembly using a high speedfilling apparatus. First, a pre-assembled dispenser assembly is providedthat has an end cap, an outer casing, and an inner fluid receiving body.The outer casing has a first end and a second end, and an applicator atthe first end. The inner fluid receiving body has a first end and asecond end, a pump arranged at the first end of the inner fluidreceiving body, and an opening arranged at the second end of the innerfluid receiving body. The inner fluid receiving body is pre-assembled inthe outer casing so that the inner fluid receiving body closes thesecond end of the outer casing, and the end cap is arranged over theapplicator of the outer casing. Second, the pre-assembled dispenserassembly is placed directly onto a filling apparatus. Third, the innerfluid receiving body is filled with a fluid material through the openingof the inner fluid receiving body. Fourth, the inner fluid receivingbody of the partially pre-assembled dispenser assembly is sealed with aseal plug so as to provide a fully assembled and filled dispenserassembly.

These and other features and characteristics of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments, which should be read in light of the accompanying drawingsin which corresponding reference numbers refer to corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unassembled cap, outer casing, andfluid insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled cap, outer casing, andfluid insert of the dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer casing shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the left end of the outercasing shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the right end of the outercasing shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the left end of the outer casing shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the right end of the outer casing shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an unassembled inner casing shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the fluid insert shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of section A-A shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the right side of thefluid insert body shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled fluid insert body,pump, and seal cap of the fluid insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the assembled fluid insert and outer casingshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the seal plug of the fluid insert shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the seal plug shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ridges shown on theseal plug shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the seal cap according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a seal cap and diaphragm accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the diaphragm shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an end cap according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an alternative embodiment of the fluid dispenser assemblyaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

The present invention is generally directed to a dispenser assembly 100shown in FIG. 1 for dispensing predetermined amounts of fluid materials.The material, such as lotion, is stored within a fluid insert 108 anddispensed therefrom in response to pressure applied by a user onto thefluid insert 108, which, in turn, actuates the pump 117. The dispenseralso contains an outer casing 106 that holds the fluid insert 108.

It is to be understood that the dispenser for fluid materials of thepresent invention may be utilized to dispense various liquids, pastes,semi-liquids, semi-solids, gels, and the like. Such materials arepreferably derived from the cosmetics industry and may include gels,medicated creams and lotions, and the like to be dispensed using thedispenser of the present invention. Also for convenience, all suchmaterials will be generally referred to as fluid materials, althoughthey may have semi-solid, paste-like or other consistencies.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dispenser assembly 100 is preferably comprisedof a dispenser cap 102, an outer casing 106, and a fluid insert 108. Thedispenser assembly 100 is constructed and arranged so that the fluidinsert 108 is disposed and secured within the outer casing 106, and thedispenser cap 102 fits over the outer casing 106. The dispenser capprotects the applicator 104 from being contaminated or otherwisedamaged. As shown in FIG. 2, when these components are assembledtogether, they form an elongated cylindrical dispenser assembly that ispreferably in the shape of a tubular pen, although the dispenser maytake on a variety of alternate shapes, such as animals, flowers, or anydesired shape.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer casing 106 is preferably a hollowtube with an elongated outer body 114 having an applicator 104, and aconnector portion 110 that connects the applicator 104 to the outer body114. The outer body 114 preferably has a larger diameter than theapplicator 104 and connector 110. In this regard, the connector portion110 preferably has a diameter greater in size than the applicator 104,but smaller than the outer body 114. The connector 110 and applicator104 are both preferably integrally formed with the outer body 114 so asto minimize the number of parts needed to manufacture and assemble theouter casing 106, as well as to decrease the overall costs associatedwith the manufacture and assembly of the dispenser assembly 100. Itshould be appreciated, however, that the outer casing 106 may be formedfrom separate components that are assembled together, and that theconnector portion 110 may be removed.

The applicator 104 preferably has rounded ends 103 and an opening 107(see also FIG. 6) through which the fluid material from the fluid insert108 (see FIG. 1) is dispersed. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, a raisedwall 600 arranged on the interior side 117 of the applicator 104surrounds the opening 107. The wall 600 helps guide the tip 120 (seeFIG. 1) of the fluid insert 108 into the opening 107 when the fluidmaterial is dispensed from the fluid insert 108. It should beappreciated that the applicator can also take on a variety of alternateconstructions such as a spray device, brush, roller, scrubbing pad, andthe like.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, an edge 302 and protruding inner casingridge 304 is arranged towards the open end 116 of the interior 117 ofthe outer casing 106. In a preferred embodiment, one inner casing ridge304 is located along the perimeter of the interior 117 of the outercasing 106, although it should be appreciated that more than one ridgemay be used. The edge 302 and innermost edge 303 of the inner casingridge 304 define the boundaries of a pumping region 306 which, as bestshown in FIG. 5, has a diameter that is slightly larger than thediameter of the remainder of the interior 117. In a preferredembodiment, the diameter of the pumping region 306 will differ from thatof the remainder of the outer body 114 on the order of 0.012±0.003inches. A similar outer region 309 preferably having a reduced diameterextends from the outermost edge 307 of the inner casing ridge 304 to theopen end 116 of the outer casing 106.

Referring to FIG. 5, the diameter of the area in which the protrudinginner casing ridge 304 is located preferably decreases so as toeventually equal the diameter of the pumping region 306. In theembodiment shown, there is an angular slope 320 that slopes at an angleof 10° from the highest point 311 of the inner casing ridge 304 to thepumping region 306. It should be appreciated that the size and slope ofthe ridge may be increased or decreased.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, tabs 300 are arranged on opposed surfacesat the front end of the interior 117 of the outer casing 106. The tabs300 are elongated and have a first end 308 located at the beginning ofthe connector portion 110 and a second end 310 located towards the lowerend of the body 114. As will be discussed fully herein, the tabs aredesigned to help guide the movement of the fluid insert 108 when thedispenser assembly 100 is actuated so as to dispense fluid material. Thesize of the tabs may therefore vary based upon the size of the fluidinsert 108 and/or the travel length of the fluid insert 108 when itmoves from a stationary position to an actuated pumping position.Accordingly, the length of the tabs 300 may be altered to suit thedesired movement of the dispenser assembly 100.

Referring to FIG. 8, the components of the fluid insert 108 according toan embodiment of the present invention are shown. The fluid insert 108is adapted to contain the fluid material to be dispensed within itsinterior chamber 126. The fluid insert 108 is comprised of a pump 117, aseal plug 132, a fluid insert body 128, having a first end 125, a secondend 127, a transition region 124, and a fluid insert band 130 arrangednear the second end 127 of the fluid insert 108. As shown in FIG. 9, thefluid insert body 128 is preferably tapered in shape, the diameter ofthe fluid insert 108 decreasing in size from its second end 127 to thefirst end 125. The fluid insert 108 must have an overall diameter thatis small enough to fit within and be capable of axially moving withinthe outer casing 106 (see FIG. 3). Preferably, the fluid insert is atleast 0.0035±0.0015 inches smaller than the outer casing.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a first notch 301 is arranged on theexterior of the fluid insert body 128 and a second notch 301′ isarranged on the opposed exterior side of the fluid insert body 128. Thenotches 301, 301′ are recessed so that they can receive the tabs 300 ofthe outer casing 106 (see FIG. 3) when the dispenser assembly 100 isfully assembled. The notch edge 305 of the notch 301 also creates a stopwhen the tab 300 (see FIG. 3) of the outer casing 106 is inserted intothe notch 301.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, there are preferably two ridges 133, 135arranged near the second end 127 of the fluid insert body 128. The fluidinsert ridges 133, 135 are arranged along the inner perimeter of theinterior 138 of the fluid insert body 128. In the embodiment shown,there are two ridges shown, however, it should be appreciated that anynumber of ridges may be utilized, and only one ridge is required.

As shown in FIG. 11, the fluid insert ridges 133, 135 have diametersgreater than the remainder of the interior 138 of the fluid insert 108.Preferably, the diameters of the fluid insert ridges 133, 135 are0.0125±0.0015 inches greater than the diameter of the remainder of theinterior 138, although the fluid insert ridges 133, 135 may differ basedon any desired measurements. As will be discussed more fully herein, thefluid insert ridges 133, 135 can receive a complementary seal plug ridge136 (see FIG. 8) from the seal plug 132 to secure the seal plug 132within the fluid insert 108.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 14, and 15 the seal plug 132 is circular in shapewith rounded edges 134 and an inner wall 137. The seal plug 132 is usedto seal the fluid insert 108 so as to prevent fluid from leaking out ofthe fluid insert 108, or contamination of the fluid material stored inthe fluid insert 108. As best shown in FIG. 15, an inner wall 137 isrecessed away from the edge 142 of the seal plug 132 and engages theinterior chamber 126 (see FIGS. 8, 9) of the fluid insert 108. As shownin FIGS. 15-16, the seal plug 132 has two seal plug ridges 136 that areraised and have a height greater than the remainder of the inner walls137. The outer end 140 of the seal plug 132 preferably has anindentation 145 that makes it easier for users to apply force to thefluid insert 108 when it is desired to dispense fluid material form thefluid dispenser assembly 100.

In order to connect the seal plug 132 to the fluid insert body 128, eachof the seal plug ridges 136 engage the fluid insert ridges 133, 135arranged on the interior 138 of the fluid insert body 128. (See FIGS. 9and 11.) The resistance created by the fluid insert ridges 133, 135 andseal plug ridges 136, permits the seal plug 132 to securely snap intoplace within the fluid insert body 128. The seal plug 132 is securedwithin the fluid insert body 128 once the seal plug ridges 136 arelocked into position within the fluid insert ridges 133, 135. Additionaladhesives or the like may be used to further secure the seal plug 132 inthe fluid insert body 128, although it is not necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19, an alternative embodiment of a seal plug 132′is shown. The seal plug 132′ is substantially similar to the seal plugshown in FIGS. 14-16, however the alternative seal plug 132′ has adiaphragm holder 150 that is in the shape of an elongated triangle. Thebase of the diaphragm holder 150 is attached to the interior 143 of theseal plug 132′.

Diaphragm 152 is designed to fit within the interior of the seal plug132′. The diaphragm 152 is circular in shape and its center rests uponthe center 156 of the diaphragm holder 150. It is not securely fastenedto the diaphragm holder 150 and is held in place by the fluid materialcontained in the interior chamber 126 of the fluid insert 108 (See FIG.9.) The diaphragm 152 also has scrapers 154 which extend from the mainbody 158 of the diaphragm 152. When the fluid insert 108 withdraws fluidmaterial from the interior chamber 126, the weight of the diaphragm 152aids in pushing the fluid material towards the pump 117, while alsoscraping the walls of the interior chamber 126, as the diaphragm movescloser to the pump 117.

Due to the taper of the fluid insert 108, the diaphragm 152 ispreferably slightly smaller than the seal plug 132 so that it can extenddown the length of the fluid insert body. It is also preferablycomprised of a Low Density Polyethylene (commonly referred to as LDPE)material, which is very thin and flexible and permits the diaphragm 152to give and flex as it slides down the fluid insert body 128. Thediaphragm may also be constructed and arranged to match the taper of thefluid insert 108. It should be appreciated that any type of diaphragmmay be used to scrape fluid materials from the sides of the interior ofthe fluid insert.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the pump 117 is a standard pump with aninternal check valve, that is preferably capable of dispensing fluidmaterials of high viscosity, such as those known in the art. Forexample, an EMSAR Pump, PAV (A45) series having a 130 mcl micro literoutput may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is capableof pumping fluids having a fluid viscosity ranging from of at least 1000cps to 10,000 cps, although a pump capable of pumping fluids having amuch lower or much higher viscosity is also contemplated. The body ofthe pump 117 preferably has three tapered regions, a main pump body 122,an intermediate pump body 123, and an intake region 118, respectivelydecreasing in size and length. The pump 117 preferably has an internalball check valve 121 to regulate the amount of air permitted to enterinto the interior chamber 126 of the fluid insert 108. As shown in FIG.12, when the pump 117 is assembled into the fluid insert body 128 of thefluid insert body 128, the pump 117 is only partially arranged withinthe fluid insert body 128. The intake region 118 and intermediate body123 of the pump 117 are located within the fluid insert body 128. Aportion of the main pump body 122 is located within the transitionregion 124, while the remaining portion of the main pump body 122, aswell as the tip 120, protrude from the fluid insert body 128.

The shapes and sizes of the transition region 124 of the fluid insertbody 128 and main pump body 122 of the pump 117 are complementary to oneanother so that the pump 117 can securely fit into the transition region124 of the fluid insert body 128. The taper of the main pump body 122prevents the pump 117 from completely entering the interior of the fluidinsert body 128, while permitting for a secure fit within the fluidinsert body 128. The main pump body 122 also rests against thetransition region edge 113 to prevent the pump 117 from furtheradvancing into the fluid insert body 128.

Adhesives or the like may be applied to the pump 117 and transitionregion 124 so as to provide additional security for the pump 117 toremain within the intermediate body 123 of the fluid insert 108.However, due to the secure fit of the pump 117 within the fluid insertbody 128, additional adhesives are not necessary. It should beappreciated that the shapes and sizes of the complementary parts providea cost effective means for securely fastening the parts of the fluidinsert 108 together.

The dosage of fluid desired to be dispensed from the dispenser assembly100 will determine the size of the pump incorporated into the dispenserassembly 100. For example, if it is desired to dispense 100 mcl of afluid product, a standard pump capable of dispensing 100 mcl of a fluidproduct can be purchased for use in the dispenser assembly 100 of thepresent invention. Similarly, if it is desired to dispense 200 mcl offluid product, a standard pump capable of dispensing 200 mcl of fluidcan be utilized in the dispenser assembly 100. The dimensions of thedispenser assembly 100 may need to be adjusted to fit the differingsizes of pumps desired. In the embodiment shown, a 130 mcl pump is used,and the size of the fluid insert body 128 and transition region 124 arecomplimentary to the pump configuration.

When it is desired to assemble the components of the dispenser assembly100, the assembled fluid insert 108 (FIG. 1) is inserted into the outercasing 106 (FIG. 1). The fluid insert 108 is secured in the outer casing106 when the band 130 (see FIG. 8) located on the exterior side of thefluid insert 108 is located in the pumping region 306 of the outercasing 106. When the fluid insert 108 is inserted into the outer casing106, the band 130 must pass through the inner casing ridge 304 of theouter casing 106 and into the pumping region 306.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the dispenser assembly 100 is in a stationaryposition, the fluid insert 108 will sit within the outer casing 106,allowing a portion X and the seal cap 132 of the fluid insert 108 toprotrude beyond the open end 116 of the outer casing 106. The outermostedge 131 of the band 130 (see FIG. 8) will rest against the innermostedge 303 of the inner casing ridge 304 (see FIG. 3). In this stationaryposition, there is a distance X from the seal cap 132 to the edge 116 ofthe outer casing 106.

As shown in FIG. 13, when it is desired to dispense fluid from thedispenser assembly 100, a Force F is applied to the end 132 of the fluidinsert 108. Due to the reduced diameter of the pumping region 306, (seeFIGS. 3 and 5) the fluid insert 108 is able to move a short distancewithin the outer casing 106. The movement of the fluid insert 108 forcesretraction of the springs 115 into the pump 117, so that, the tip 120 ofthe pump 117 is able to retract into the pump 107. When the tip isretracted into the pump 107, fluid material is withdrawn from the fluidmaterial contained in the pump 107 and expelled through the opening 107of the outer casing 106. In its retraced position, the seal plug 132abuts the outer edge 116 of the outer casing 106, thereby eliminatingthe distance X present when the fluid dispenser 100 is in a stationaryposition. When the Force F is released, the fluid insert 108 will returnto its fully extended position because the Force F that is transferredto the springs 115 is also released. This simultaneously causes the pump117 to withdraw fluid material from the interior chamber 126 of thefluid insert body 128, and store it in the pump 117 until another ForceF is applied. It should be noted that although a user may continue toapply a Force F to the fluid insert 108, no additional fluid materialwill be dispensed until the Force F is released, and a new Force F isapplied. In this way, only predetermined amounts of fluid materials aredispensed at any one given time. When the fluid insert 108 is in itsactuated or retracted position, the innermost end 129 (See FIG. 8) ofthe band 130 abuts the edge 302 (See FIG. 3) of the outer casing 106.The notches 301 (See FIG. 9) will move along the tabs 300 (See FIG. 3)and the tip 120 of the pump 117 will be guided by the walls 600 (SeeFIG. 7) located on the interior 117 of the outer casing 106. In thisposition, the tip 120 of the pump 118 is partially arranged within thepump 120, and the distance X that is visible when the fluid insert sitsin its stationary position (see FIG. 13) within the outer casing 106 isno longer visible.

Referring to FIGS. 20-21, the end cap 102 is shown. The end cap 102helps to prevent fluid material contained within the fluid insert 108from spoiling because it provides an additional outer seal to keep thefluid material fresh. The end cap 102 is circular in shape and designedto fit over the applicator 104 and connector 110 of the outer casing106. (See FIG. 1.) The inner walls 250 of the end cap 102 fit snuglyover the connector 110 of the outer casing 106. Due to the minimaldifferences between the diameter of the end cap 102 and the diameter ofthe connector 110, the end cap 102 can be securely positioned over theouter casing 106 so as to remain in place until it is desired to removethe end cap 102 from the outer casing 106.

As shown in FIG. 22, an alternative embodiment of the end cap 102′ isshown. A declogger 252 is arranged at the center of the interior 250′ ofthe base 254′ of the end cap 102′. The declogger 252 is preferably inthe shape of a cylinder that will fit within the opening 107′ of theouter casing 106′, but any shape of declogger that will fit within theopening 107 of the outer casing 106 will suffice. Placement of thedeclogger 252 within the end cap 102′ helps to prevent any clogging thatmay occur from fluid materials that dry and clog the opening 107 of theapplicator 104.

An important feature of the present invention concerns the ability ofthe dispenser assembly 100 to be moved from a locked position to anunlocked position in order to avoid accidental discharge of the fluidmaterial contained in the fluid insert 108. The lock and unlock featurepreferably operates by allowing the fluid insert 108 to rotate between alocked and unlocked position. When the dispenser assembly 100 is in anunlocked position, the dispenser assembly 100 is able to dischargefluids through the opening 107 of the outer casing 106. This occurs whenthe tabs 300 located on the outer casing 106 are aligned with thenotches 301 of the fluid insert 108, so that the tabs 300 slide withinthe notches 301. The first side 160 (see FIGS. 8-9) of the stop 111 willalso be adjacent to the tab 300 (see FIG. 7). The stop 111 will preventany additional rotation of the fluid insert 108 in the direction of thefirst side 160 of the stop 111, to notify a user that the fluid insert108 cannot be further rotated in that direction. As shown in FIG. 14,directional arrows can be placed on the top of the seal plug 32 of thefluid insert to further provide visual instructions for the user toplace the seal plug 132 into an open position. When the fluid insert 108is rotated in the opposite direction, the fluid insert 108 moves fromthe unlocked position to a locked position. In this position, the tab300 and notch 301 do not align. The tabs 300 will instead contact theinner casing outer edge 109 (See FIGS. 8-9), thereby preventing thefluid insert 108 from moving within the pumping region 306 of the outercasing 106. The fluid insert 108 can only be rotated until the secondside 109 of the stop 111 (see FIGS. 8-9) is adjacent the notch 300′.Thus, the fluid insert 108 is in a locked position whenever stop 11 ofthe fluid insert 108 is located between the notch 300 and notch 300′. Inthis locked position, fluid materials are unable to accidentallydischarge from the fluid dispenser 100.

Due to the location of the tabs 300 and notches 301 on opposed sides ofthe outer casing 106 and fluid insert 108, the fluid insert 108 movesfrom a closed position to an open position whenever the fluid insert 108is rotated 180°. It should be appreciated, however, that the number oftabs and corresponding notches will determine the amount of rotationnecessary to move the fluid insert 108 from a locked position to anunlocked position.

The fluid dispenser assembly 100 according to the embodiments describedherein is cost effective for the manufacturer, as well as the companydesiring to purchase dispensers that can be used to sell their fluidproducts, such as a cosmetic company. It is comprised of few parts thatcan be “snapped” into place due to the various shapes of the components.This eliminates the need for the added costs of adhesives and the like,or the additional step of “screwing parts” together. The manufacturertherefore has few parts to produce and assemble, allowing themanufacturer to significantly cut production and materials costs.

Due to the design of the dispenser assembly 100, the manufacturer canthen provide the dispenser assembly 100 almost fully assembled to apurchasing company desiring to solicit their fluid materials in aparticular dispenser. The pump 107 and fluid insert body 108 can bepreassembled into the outer casing 106, and the end cap 102 can beplaced over the applicator 104 of the outer casing 106. The only partnot assembled at that time is the seal plug 132, which as discussedherein, is assembled after the filling process.

The assembled parts of the dispenser assembly 100 are then placed onto astandard filling apparatus, making them immediately available forfilling. The simple cylindrical shape of the applicator and the factthat there are no additional obstructions protruding from the dispenserassembly 100, make the dispenser assembly 100 fully compatible withstandard industrial filling machines. For example, the fluid dispenser100 is fully compatible with a standard filling apparatus such as theNORDENMATIC 3003/5002 line, that is capable of filling 300-500 tubes perminute. The compatibility between the dispenser assembly 100 and astandard filling machine eliminates the need for purchasing additionalparts to make the fluid dispenser compatible with the filing machine.

Once the dispenser assemblies are positioned on the filling machine, thefilling machine will dispense fluid material from the filling machineinto the open end 127 of the fluid insert body 128. Thereafter, the sealplug 132 can be snapped into the fluid insert by a standard cappingmachine, thereby fully completing the assembly of the fluid dispenser100. The capping process may also take place as part of the high speedfilling process. The compatibility of the dispenser assembly 100 withstandard filling apparatuses, combined with the relative ease of sealingthe dispenser assembly 100 after it has been filled, are just some ofthe advantages of this embodiment of the present invention over theprior art.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser 200. Theouter casing 201 is curved in shape, so as to provide grips 210 for auser to hold the fluid dispenser 200. The fluid insert 212 protrudesfrom the end 214 of the outer casing 200, and is identical to the fluidinsert shown in FIG. 1. This alternative fluid dispenser 200 operates insubstantially the same way as the fluid dispenser 100 previouslydiscussed. A Force F is applied to the end of the fluid insert 212,which causes actuation of the pump (not shown) contained in the fluidinsert 212. Fluid material is then dispersed from the fluid insert 212to the opening (not shown) of the outer casing 201. To seal the fluiddispenser 200, a dispenser cap 216 fits over the outer casing 201 andprevents the fluid material contained in the fluid insert 212 fromspoiling. It should be appreciated that the fluid insert 212 canconsistently remain the same shape, while the outer casing 201 may takeon any desired shape or form. This is advantageous for cosmeticcompanies and the like seeking to sell a customized dispenser.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments and preferred dimensions or ranges ofmeasurements, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merelyillustrative of the principles and applications of the presentinvention. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the presentinvention may take on various alternative orientations. It is thereforeto be understood that numerous modifications may be made to theillustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devisedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A dispenser assembly for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluidmaterial comprising: a fluid insert having a body including a first endand a second end, a hollow chamber for storing a fluid material, a sealcap mounted to said first end for sealing said fluid insert, a pumpconnected to said second end for dispensing a predetermined amount offluid material, a first notch and a second notch on said body displacedfrom said second end, a protruding ridge displaced from said first end,and a stop having a first side and a second side; and an outer casinghaving an interior chamber for receiving said fluid insert, said outercasing having a first end and a second end, an applicator arranged atsaid first end for applying said fluid material dispensed from said pumpof said fluid insert to a surface, a first tab arranged within saidinterior chamber of said outer casing, a second tab arranged within saidinterior chamber of said outer casing, said first tab constructed andarranged to fit within said first notch and said second tab constructedand arranged to fit within said second notch, said first and second tabsguiding movement of said fluid insert within said outer casing, a ridgearranged within said interior chamber of said outer casing, said ridgebeing operative to restrict removal of said fluid insert when said fluidinsert is assembled within said interior chamber, wherein said fluidinsert is rotatable within said outer casing between a pumping positionand a non-pumping position, said fluid insert being in a non-pumpingposition when said second side of said stop is adjacent to said secondtab and said second notch is displaced from said second tab, and saidfluid insert is in said first position when said first tab is alignedwith said first notch and said first side of said stop is adjacent tosaid first tab.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of thefluid insert extends beyond the second receiving end of the outercasing.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid insert furtherincludes a raised band extending around an outer surface of the fluidinsert, the raised band capable of being moved within the pumping regionduring movement of the fluid insert from the first position to thesecond position.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a movablepushing mechanism positioned within the fluid insert, the pushingmechanism capable of moving the fluid material within the fluid inserttoward the pump.
 5. A device for dispensing a predetermined amount of afluid material to a surface comprising: a hollow outer casing having afirst applicator end and an opposed second receiving end, an interiorsurface, an opening at the first applicator end, and a pumping regionpositioned between the first applicator end and second applicator end; afluid insert for housing fluid material, the fluid insert having a firstend, a pump arranged at the first end of the fluid insert, and a raisedband on the outer surface thereof, the fluid insert being constructedand arranged to fit within the hollow outer casing so that the raisedband is arranged within the pumping region, the fluid insert capable ofmoving between the second receiving end and the first applicator end ofthe outer casing from a first position to a second position, wherein thefluid insert is in the first position when the raised band is closer tothe second receiving end of the outer casing, and the fluid insert is inthe second position when the raised band is closer to the firstapplicator end of the outer casing, the fluid insert dispensing a samepredetermined amount of the fluid material contained in the fluid insertthrough the opening of the outer casing each time the fluid insert movesfrom the first position to the second position, wherein the pumpingregion has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the remainderof the interior surface of the outer casing, the pumping regionretaining the fluid insert within the outer casing.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the pump further comprises a pump body and pump tip,and wherein movement of the fluid insert from the first position to thesecond position causes the pump tip to engage a pump actuation surfaceon the outer housing and eject the same predetermined amount of fluidmaterial through the opening in the outer housing.
 7. A dispenserassembly for dispensing a fluid, the dispenser assembly comprising: anelongate hollow outer casing having a first end with an aperture and asecond end forming a receiving opening, the hollow outer casingincluding a pumping section defined by first and second stops; a fluidinsert positioned predominantly within said hollow outer casing andaccessible to a user through said receiving opening, the fluid insertincluding a pump at the first end of the hollow outer casing and a fluidreservoir associated therewith, the pump including a spring mechanismbiased to move said fluid insert toward the receiving opening, the fluidinsert including a band; wherein the band is forced against the secondstop by the spring mechanism and against the first stop under externalforce applied to the fluid insert by a user, the pump disposing a samepredetermined volume of fluid upon application of the external forceeach time the band travels from the second stop to the first stop. 8.The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the pump includes an intake regionthrough which the pump is refilled with a volume of fluid from the fluidreservoir upon movement of said band from said first stop to said secondstop.
 9. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said pumping section is of agreater diameter than a remainder of the fluid insert immediatelyadjacent, and said first and second stops are formed by a junctionbetween the differing diameters.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9, whereinthe band is raised above adjacent portions of the fluid insert.
 11. Thedispenser of claim 7, wherein said pumping section is generallypositioned near said receiving opening.
 12. The dispenser of claim 7,wherein the external force compresses the spring mechanism.